ArtCenter College of Design Archives

Check out the virtual Archives Bazaar this weekend! Learn about L.A. history with live presentations, interactive sessions, and an online exhibit showing some photos from our own #ArtCenterArchives

Sadly, Midge Quenell, beloved ArtCenter alumna, instructor, and administrator, passed away recently. After graduating in 1951, she was a part of the College for over 40 years - as a teacher from 1951 to 1986, then as the Chair of Foundation Studies from 1987 to 1992 and nally as Vice President, Director of Programs, from 1989 until her retirement in 1992. Faculty member Ramone Muñoz remembers her fondly as, A very good teacher and advertising illustrator. Her own work was c...harming with a New Yorker kind of wit and free feeling style that was fun and engaging. He also acknowledges her impact as a counselor, When she was programs director we sometimes referred to Midge as Mother Superior, because she always kept a close eye on what students needed to take insuring the best possible learning experience for them. She was the best counselor in the school. With decades of teaching experience, she often provided advice that students might not appreciate until years later, but then thank her for a meaningful class they might have otherwise missed. Thank you, Midge, for shaping the lives and careers of so many ArtCenter students. See more

The Orange Dot officially became our logo in 1965, but we know the color was used earlier legend has it Tink Adams painted the front door of our 7th Street campus orange in the 1930s. Now it’s everywhere from t-shirts to parking passes. Did orange color your work at ArtCenter?

One of our favorite collections we wish we knew more about is the ArtCenter Wives Club. (https://archives.artcenter.edu/rg-18) From 1956 to the early '70s, the women who supported our students leaned on each other for support. Their newsletter was even called The Breadwinners Review. It’s an anachronism now, but we see it as an example of the importance of family and friends to help you get through ArtCenter. #TBT #ArtCenter90 #ArtCenterArchives

ArtCenter students, faculty, staff, and alumni - Archives and Special Collections wants to collect and preserve your stories from 2020. What has studying, teaching, and working from home been like during the pandemic? Have you participated in racial and social justice movements? How has 2020 influenced your work? What challenges and triumphs have you had this year? Please visit lib.artcenter.edu/news/artcenter-2020-stories to learn more and to share YOUR story.

Are you following @artcenterarchives on Instagram? Thanks to @dommi1812 and @lifestyleblog we were able to correctly identify a photo of students using the 5-Axis CNC. Here's a photo of the finished project - a Zamboni for the Spring 1998 Frank J. Zamboni Co. sponsored project. Thanks Dominique-Philippe and Miki!

As part of ArtCenter's 90th anniversary, #ArtCenterArchives selected images of nine decades of art & design. This week, we the '90s. #TBT 1. Students creatin...g a model using the 5 Access CNC Mill. (P110.6383) 2. A student working in a studio with large paintings. (P80.1075) 3. Christopher Le Brun exhibition in the Williamson Gallery. (P310.300.1-3) 4. Two students discussing the type at Archetype Press. (2004.20.4165) See more

The 1990s hit the ground running! From 1991-1992, Product Design and Transportation Design became separate departments, Hillside Campus grew with the South Wing, the Williamson Gallery opened, and Environmental Design was established as a department. Our hearts broke when Art Center (Europe) closed in 1996. The decade ended with a new president - Richard Koshalek. #ArtCenter90 #ArtCenterArchives #TBT

On a summer day that feels like 451 in the shade, we raise a glass of dandelion wine to toast the 100th birthday of our favorite sci-fi author and ArtCenter friend, Ray Bradbury. As the graduation speaker in 1970, he described the ArtCenter experience: 'That's what you've all been up to here: you've been training yourselves so that your brains got out of your head and ran down your arms and flew out the ends of your fingers. Isn't that what it's all about?'

#TBT to the heels and wheels of the 1980s. To honor ArtCenter's 90th anniversary, ArtCenter Archives selected images showcasing nine decades of art & design. #A...rtCenter90 #artcenterarchives 1. A three-dimensional study project that is a pair of high heel shoes by Stuart Lee (GRPK 1989). (2004.20.5295) 2. Art Center (Europe) (178) 3. Charlie Potts giving a lighting demonstration. (2004.21.3391.4) 4. An Illustration class in the Sculpture Garden drawing from Auguste Rodin's The Shade. (2004.21.629.6) 5. Gaylord Eckles's class has lined up their "brick powered dragsters" in the atrium. (2004.20.877)

The 1980s: arguably the best decade for pop music, and a time of big changes at ArtCenter. David R. Brown became our third president, our Alumni Association was established, and Archetype Press was acquired. And Art Center (Europe) opened in La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland in October 1986 with 39 students from 13 countries. #ArtCenter90 #ArtCenterArchives #TBT

#TBT to the 70s with bell-bottoms, new builds and the big move to our current campus in Pasadena. To celebrate ArtCenter's 90th anniversary, @artcenterarchives ...handpicked photos capturing nine decades of art & design. #ArtCenter90 1. Keith Teter supervising students at work on a full-scale buck model. (2004.23.494.26) 2. The Pasadena campus construction site. (2004.26.153.35A) 3. A model of an emergency protective shelter with a balloon attached to show rescue workers where you are located. (2004.20.1840) 4. Richard C. Runyon discussing packaging design in his class. (2004.20.3854.19) 5. Students outside the Hillside Campus, 1976. (2004.26.224)

By 1970 it was clear that ArtCenter had outgrown its 3rd Street campus and Pasadena was chosen as the home of our first purpose-built campus designed by Craig Ellwood. The Hillside Campus opened in 1976 with sound stages for PHOT and FILM (its own department as of 1973), ventilated studios, a spacious library, and a gorgeous view. #ArtCenter90 #ArtCenterArchives #TBT